With compassion I will encourage you to allow yourself to look at things from a different perspective and connect with your true, authentic self, uncovering the version of yourself that is more accurate of who you are today. You will begin to believe and feel more able to let go of these unhelpful and irrelevant beliefs that no longer serve you well or align correctly with the person you are now. You then find you are able to start living the life you so deserve, one of quality and authenticity where you do fit in and feel a sense of belonging, where you feel good enough and are able to trust your own decision making, and your self-esteem and self-worth are at the healthier level you’ve always wanted them to be at.

Research shows how being out in nature doing just mild exercise reduces the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Mainly due to the release of endorphins through movement which introduces a more positive element, changes physiology and leads to feeling more motivated. Simply by moving forward step by step together helps to release any tension or stress more easily than when sat down with your counsellor. Having the opportunity to get outside and deepen your connection with nature enables you to experience feeling more connected with the more difficult parts of your story and yourself. Experiencing the restorative, enriching and healing wonders of nature, whilst also getting your daily required amount of vitamin D and melatonin, can really boost your immune system as well as your mental and physical health and well-being. A vitamin D deficiency has been proven to heighten symptoms of depression and Melatonin is important for regulating our circadian rhythm which helps us maintain a healthy sleeping pattern.

For those who find sitting with their therapist quite daunting due to feeling uncomfortable with the eye contact element of this, then walking therapy can really alleviate this fear. Looking ahead rather than being drawn into making eye contact can help you to really open up and say what perhaps would have been more difficult to do in an office or facing a screen.

Walk and Talk therapy could be a good option for you if you spend a lot of time indoors either with work or your family, sitting down more than you would like to, this gives you the added benefit of getting you gently moving outside, particularly if you are worried that you are not moving enough in your day to day life.

However, if you would prefer office, zoom or telephone counselling, it is entirely your choice and whatever feels more natural and comfortable for you.

I am offering reduced rates for students and those on low incomes, we can discuss this together before our first session.

• Does life feel like it’s getting on top of you, but you just don't feel able to talk about it with friends or family members?
• Do you feel as though nobody around you understands what you’re going through?
• Do you feel embarrassed or ashamed to talk to friends or family about what the problem is?
• Are you having relationship issues that feel too difficult for you to deal with?
• Are you struggling to cope with the overwhelming grief you feel after losing a loved one?
• Do you feel stuck in feelings of shame that you don’t fully understand where they came from?
• Could you benefit from a safe place to work through your innermost, often deeply buried feelings with an impartial person?
• Would you like to feel more positive about your present day life, relationship and future happiness?
• Are you feeling fed up with your life not being as fulfilling or meaningful as you had hoped for?
• Have you experienced a difficult childhood where your needs weren’t met? Was there nobody there to support and guide you through trying to find where you fitted in and belonged? Consequently, are you now feeling lost, unimportant, devalued and struggle to be heard within your family and other relationships?

Talking to a counsellor can help alleviate the pressure and anxiety you feel continuing to carry all of this by yourself.

You can also find me on the following two professional therapy listings:

• Counselling Directory listing http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/laura-portsmouth
• BACP listing http://www.bacp.co.uk/therapists/63485/laura-portsmouth/

You can also find me on the following two professional therapy listings:

I live within easy reach of Farnborough, Camberley, Frimley, Farnham, Aldershot, Ash Vale, Mytchett, Fleet, Hawley, Blackwater and Yateley. There is some beautiful local woodland around Hawley Lake where there are quiet routes for us to walk together.

The platform on which your sessions will take place can be discussed when you enquire.

You can find out more About Counselling or About Me or if you have any questions at all, please get in touch by calling me on 07800 512 918 or emailing lauraprtsmth@gmail.com